Pattaya-area men marked the start of HM the King’s 86th year by joining the monkhood for 10 days at ceremonies in Pattaya and Sattahip.

In Pattaya, 86 participated in an ordination ceremony outside Pattaya City Hall Dec. 2 where Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai joined Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome for services for the novices, inviting family members and friends to participate. They also lit candles and joss sticks, recited prayers and paid respect to a painting of HM the King, who turned 86 Dec. 5.

The eight-day ordination process featured a parade of monks’ robes and pleas for forgiveness. The following day, they attended ceremonies at Buddhiwararam, Jittapawan Vittaya, Sawangfah Pritaram, Nong Yai, and Thamsamakkee temples.

Chonburi Gov. Khomsan Ekachai (center left) and Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center right) cut the first locks of hair for novices entering the monkhood in honor of His Majesty the King.

On Dec. 8, the ordained monks accepted alms during a procession from Rungland Village to Chaimongkol Temple in South Pattaya.

In Sattahip, Royal Thai Navy Vice Adm. Rerngrith Bunsongprasert presided over the hair-cutting ceremony for 75 young men at Khao Bamphenbun Temple.

He said it was a delight that the temple had organized the group ceremony to honor HM the King. He expressed gratitude to the monks committee for the temple’s sponsorship.

This article was published in the Pattaya Mail newspaper on Friday December 20, 2013 (Vol. XXI No. 51).